I'm so frustrated! I'm pretty new to knitting and so far the only thing I've managed to successfully complete area few small garter stitch squares. I've just managed to create this thumbless Frankenstein mitten. That won't fit anyone. It's to wide to fit my husbands wrist but too short to put my 8 year old sons hand in. I'm really not feeling good about knitting at this moment. Especially since I have one to learn from.

RochesterKnitter

11-08-2012 07:36 PM

Welcome to knitting!!!

Please don't be frustrated. You are, where we all were, once.

First, congrats on making some garter stitch squares.

Second, you are very brave to go from small squares to mittens. That would likely not be most peopel's first real project, and is probably why you feel so frustrated. While very basic mittens could be doable for some new knitters, getting a good fit requires understanding sizing/fit, needle sizes, yarn substitutions, gauge....

May I suggest that you go back a step...
Try expanding your squares into something larger, but still flat (washcloths, towels, blankets, scarfs).
Try some different stitch patterns (garter, stockinette, ribbing, cables).
Try different size needles (but the same yarn to see how it varies).
Try different weights of yarn.
Try some color techniques (striping, intarsia).

I think once you accomplish this you will have a better undertanding of some knitting fundamentals, not to mention worked out many of the kinks faced by new knitters.

Then you can happily move on to some mittens which, will be no doubt perfect, well-worn and loved.

suzeeq

11-08-2012 07:44 PM

This is where you learn to use a tape measure. Take measurements, then knit it to fit. So is Franke-Mitten the name of the pattern or just what you call it...? If you tell us the name we can probably help you with it so it fits someone. If you just made a square into a mitten, then maybe you can sew it up the other direction and it'll fit someone.

Jan in CA

11-08-2012 07:59 PM

Are you working with a specific pattern?

Learning some basics might give you more confidence. We've all been there so we know what it's like. :hug:

GrumpyGramma

11-08-2012 09:02 PM

My jump-in-over-my-head project was a sweater with hood, pockets, and buttonholes but thanks to all the wonderful help I got here I finished it and have made several more. When I decided to try mittens I came across some great videos on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2CZ_bMzk_k You might want to check them out for help now or future reference. The link is to the first video of Kelley's Mitten Class and starts with casting on. I don't think I've watched that one yet. Whenever I encounter a problem the folks here come to my rescue, I'm sure you'll find it works for you too. BTW I like the name Franken-mitten, did you come up with it?

fatoldladyinpjs

11-09-2012 09:22 AM

I've seen some beginning knitters who take on a project that is beyond their abilities. They will start a pattern just because they like it and quickly get into trouble. What I did was to go to sites like Red Heart or Lion for patterns. Their patterns are grouped according to ability: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Gain some confidence and immediate satisfaction by knitting some great beginner items. Hats and scarves should be easy for you. They do have mitten patterns also. If you don't know how to do something, Google it or Youtube it. You can also ask here.

When you are reading a pattern, you will come across instructions such as *k1, p2* k2. This means that you should repeat all the instructions within the asterisks to the last two stitches and knit the last two stitches. Sometimes these are written as [ ]. Some patterns, especially baby ones, are written in multisizes. It will say increase 0 (1,1). These are for the various sizes, newborn, 6 months, 12 months, etc. It helps to print out your pattern and circle the numbers for the size you need so you won't get confused. I had a hard time with certain patterns only to do them with ease a year later after my skills had improved. Yours will, too. Please don't give up.

Edit: If you're really stuck, you can take knitting lessons from a local yarn shop or just go in and ask the owner for help. Mine is glad to help clarify some part of the pattern for their customers.

suzeeq

11-09-2012 10:32 AM

Doing a project that's above your 'level' isn't necessarily a bad thing though; if you really want the FO you'll learn a lot. My second real project at age 15 was a top down raglan sweater with a cable down the front. I had practiced a little with some leftover yarn from my first project, and just followed the instructions in the pattern which told me what stitches to do when. I have yet to make a dishcloth and only did my first scarf about 7 years ago - 40some years after that first sweater. My first hat happened a year later. So it can be good to stretch yourself a little.

fatoldladyinpjs

11-10-2012 11:34 AM

Here are two easy two needle mitten patterns for you to try. They do say to knit these to the top of your hand. I would add half an inch for wiggle room. Otherwise, they seem like your hands are packed in them.

I really didn't think that I was over my head with this after all I had practiced the increases and decreases with success on scraps and the gusset came out right! Those are the hardest parts right? Appearently I need to stop blindly following the directions and use some common sence. I'm doing a hat now and will reattempt my Franken-mitten after that. It's from the KnitSimple Knitting Workshop book. LOL The title was quite a handful. I guess they weren't kidding!:aww:

GrumpyGramma

11-10-2012 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLBoudreau
(Post 1360191)

I really didn't think that I was over my head with this after all I had practiced the increases and decreases with success on scraps and the gusset came out right! Those are the hardest parts right? Appearently I need to stop blindly following the directions and use some common sence. I'm doing a hat now and will reattempt my Franken-mitten after that. It's from the KnitSimple Knitting Workshop book. LOL The title was quite a handful. I guess they weren't kidding!:aww: